The Andre Nel team got the 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July feature programme off to a flying start at the Theatre Of Dreams on Saturday when the 6yo Cape Eagle put his best foot forward to win the R300 000 Splashout Gr3 2200.
Cape Eagle under Winning Form-sponsored jockey Serino Moodley wins the Splashout Gr3 2200. 4th-placed Mucho Dinero (Richard Fourie) can be seen in the background (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
On a festive day for South African horseracing, Durban was a hive of activity with an endless stream of excited racegoers and fashionistas streaming through the city racecourse gates on a perfect winter’s day.
With all the talk in the week for Pomodoro’s Jet, the Khaya Stables galloper started at 28-10 but had no answers as he was beaten out of the quartet in a race popularly labelled the Consolation July.
After the pacemaking The Futurist had thrown in the towel early in the home straight, Mucho Dinero looked dangerous while Cape Eagle (6-1), who had relaxed well in running, was ahead of the pack at the 200m.
In a confident and driving ride, Winning Form rider Serino Moodley kept his mount balanced and he went on well to hold Highveld raider Atticus Finch (14-1) by 1,50 lengths in a time of 133,65 secs.
The well-backed Master Fuego (9-2) ran on powerfully from some way off the action to grab third, a further 0,40 lengths back, with the improved again Mucho Dinero (8-1) rounding off the quartet.
Bred by La Plaisance Stud,Cape Eagle is a son of the Maine Chance-based Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the Plattner raced two-time winner Joie’s Winter (Western Winter).
Originally a 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July entry, Cape Eagle is a winner of 9 races with 13 places from 25 starts, Cape Eagle has banked stakes of R910 125.
